Lyrics
There's a target on the back of a black man walking down the street
Addressing the vulnerability and danger faced by a black man due to prejudice and discrimination.
He puts his trust in the hands of a land that tells him he is free
Highlighting the irony of trusting a nation that claims freedom while facing systemic issues.
It's just a bad reputation, unjustified
Refuting the negative reputation attached to the black man, emphasizing it as unjustified.
There's a feeling of despair in the air as lights flash red blue
Expressing a sense of despair in an environment where police lights flash, possibly indicating tension or danger.
It's just a bad reputation, unjustified
Reiterating the unjust nature of the reputation mentioned earlier.
How can we live like this just stay alive
Pondering the difficulty of living in such circumstances while trying to survive.
Shot down like a dog in the street, shot down down down
Describing a tragic event where someone, possibly the black man, is shot down in the street.
This is not the American dream this is the echo of an empty round
Challenging the idea of the American dream, portraying it as shattered by violence and empty promises.
They shot em down! down! down! down! down! down!
Emphasizing the repetitive and tragic nature of these shootings through the repetition of "down."
A gold star goes far for a killer who colours are black and blue
Introducing a character with a decorated past, possibly a police officer, with a dark history of violence.
He's got his finger on the trigger and a taste for blood
Describing the readiness of the character to use violence, specifically with a gun.
Burning crosses flicker in eyes - when will it be enough?
Alluding to historical symbols of racism, like burning crosses, questioning when the violence will end.
Shot down like a dog in the street, shot down down down
Repeating the tragic shooting scenario, reinforcing its impact.
This is not the American dream this is the echo of an empty round
Reiterating the disillusionment with the American dream due to the echoing emptiness of gunshots.
They shot em down! down! down! down! down! down!
Repeating the imagery of being "shot down" to emphasize the recurring tragedy.
There's a target on the back of a black man walking down the street He
Repeating the initial line to underscore the persistent danger faced by black individuals.
Shot down like a dog in the street, shot down down down
Recalling the tragic event of being shot down, invoking a sense of repetition and despair.
This is not the American dream this is the echo of an empty round
Restating the shattered American dream, echoing the impact of an empty round.
They shot em down down down
Repeating the tragic outcome, emphasizing the continued cycle of violence.
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